Malaysia Fuel Prices This Week (16-22 July 2026) & Rental Costs
Get the latest RON95, RON97, and diesel prices in Malaysia for 16-22 July 2026. Understand the recent price increase and how it impacts your road trip budget.
Latest Fuel Retail Prices (16 – 22 July 2026)
The Ministry of Finance has released the weekly retail fuel prices for the period of 16th to 22nd July 2026. This week sees a slight increase for unsubsidised RON95 petrol and diesel. The per-litre prices are as follows:
- Unsubsidised RON95: RM3.42 (up 5 sen)
- RON97: RM4.00 (unchanged)
- Unsubsidised Diesel: RM4.07 (up 10 sen)
Analysis of This Week's Price Movement
This week's price hike is the first in six weeks, following a period of reductions and stability. According to the Ministry of Finance, this adjustment is a direct result of rising global crude oil prices. Brent crude has reached approximately US$85 per barrel, marking a nearly 20% increase over the past two weeks. This surge is attributed to heightened geopolitical risks in West Asia, which affects the global oil supply chain.
Understanding the BUDI MADANI Targeted Subsidies
While market prices have increased, the government's BUDI MADANI targeted subsidy program continues to assist eligible individuals. Under this initiative, fuel prices for aid recipients remain capped. For private vehicle owners eligible under the BUDI95 initiative, the price of RON95 is maintained at RM1.99 per litre. Similarly, for eligible private diesel vehicle owners under the BUDI Diesel scheme, the subsidised diesel price is held at RM2.10 per litre. It is important to note that company-registered vehicles, which include rental cars, are generally not eligible for these subsidies.
Estimating Fuel Costs for a Long-Distance Trip
With fluctuating fuel prices, budgeting for a road trip is crucial. For instance, let's estimate the cost of a round trip from Seremban to Penang. The total distance is roughly 850-900 kilometres, accounting for some city driving. If you're driving a fuel-efficient car, like one from our 2024-2026 fleet that averages 20 km per litre, you would need about 45 litres of petrol. Based on the unsubsidised RON95 price of RM3.42, the estimated fuel cost for this journey would be approximately RM155. This figure is a guideline and can vary based on the vehicle model, your driving style, and traffic conditions.
How Your Car Rental Package Can Help Your Budget
When renting a car, fuel is a primary variable expense. However, you can manage other potential costs by choosing the right rental package. At JRV, we provide unlimited mileage for all travel within Peninsular Malaysia. This policy eliminates any concern about extra charges for covering long distances, allowing you to explore freely. Your main focus can then be on budgeting for fuel, tolls, and other personal expenses. This approach provides peace of mind and makes for more transparent and straightforward budget planning.
FAQ
Will the price of RON97 change in the future?
Yes, the price of RON97 is on a managed float system, meaning it can be adjusted weekly based on global crude oil market prices. For this specific week, its price remains unchanged.
Who qualifies for the BUDI MADANI fuel subsidy?
Eligibility for the BUDI MADANI program is determined by the government based on specific income and vehicle ownership criteria. Qualified private vehicle owners can apply for cash assistance to help offset unsubsidised fuel costs.
Do rental cars use subsidised petrol?
No, company-registered vehicles, including rental cars, are generally not eligible for targeted fuel subsidy programs. Renters are required to refuel at the current, unsubsidised market prices.
Why is diesel more expensive than RON95?
The unsubsidised retail prices of diesel and RON95 are based on the global market cost of the refined products. The price difference reflects the different supply, demand, and production cost dynamics for each fuel type.